
Rochester Official Faces Death Threat Over Homeless Camping Law
Rochester, MN (KROC-AM News) - Rochester police recently investigated a death threat against at least one member of the Rochester City Council.
5th Ward City Councilmember Shaun Palmer says he received the threat via an email in early January. The writer criticized Palmer's vote with the majority on the City Council to approve an ordinance that makes it a misdemeanor offense to camp in city parks and other city-owned properties.

The ordinance was approved by the City Council in February of last year. The law was recommended by the Rochester Police Department, which described it as a tool that could be used to encourage people experiencing homelessness to seek out housing and other services offered by Olmsted County and local nonprofit agencies. The vote was 4-3 with Palmer joined by fellow council members Patrick Keane, Norman Wahl, and Mark Branford supporting the law.
The death threat email also disparages the other Councilmembers who voted for the encampment ordinance, saying they are "part of an era that must and will be destroyed." The emailer goes on to threaten Palmer's life saying, "today is your last day on the Council and the last day of your life."
The message also threatens to target Rochester police officers who respond to the threat and states "we have recently acquired several AR-15s."
Councilmember Palmer says the Rochester Police Department investigation of the threat determined that the email address is a fake and the source of the message cannot be traced because it was directed through a VPN outside of the United States. He says Rochester Police indicated it was likely a hoax, but also ordered extra patrols around his home.
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Gallery Credit: Carly Ross